SWA officials along with the participants of the Championship-cum-Selection Trial held at Pughoboto Local Ground on February 25. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Pughoboto | February 25
The Sumi Wrestling Association (SWA) organised its first Sumi Wrestling Championship-cum-Selection Trial, for the forthcoming Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) Provisional Unit Championship 2026, at Pughoboto Local Ground on February 25.
The programme was chaired by Y Toniho Wotsa, Treasurer, SWA, while the invocation was offered by Ikuto Swu, Associate Pastor of Pughoboto Town Baptist Church. The oath-taking ceremony was administered by Khumtsa Swu, Vice President and Technical Head, SWA.
Special guest Akükau Qhutovi Tenna, President, Sumi Aphuyemi Kükami Hoho, along with the Vice President of Sumi Kukami Hoho, appreciated the initiative of the association in promoting wrestling and encouraging young athletes within the community. They urged the participants to work hard and bring recognition and pride to the Sumi community through sports.
Addressing the gathering, SWA President N Kitoshe Kiho said the association, established on July 30, 2024, aims to promote wrestling within the Sumi community and foster unity through sports. He said that despite being a newly formed organisation, SWA has already participated in major events such as the Hornbill International Festival 2024 and 2025, as well as the NWA Championship 2025.
Kiho informed that the championship also served as a selection trial for the first NWA Provisional Unit Championship (Wrestling Festival), scheduled to be held on March 6 at Kohima Local Ground.
A total of 14 male wrestlers competed in the championship, out of which eight were selected to represent SWA in the upcoming state-level competition. In the final bout, Avika Zhimo of Ighanumi village defeated Pukiye G Shohe of Shesulimi to clinch the title, while Inito Swu of Ighanumi defeated Bosco Swu of Mukalimi to secure third place.
The eight wrestlers selected to represent SWA are Avika Zhimo, Pukiye G Shohe, Inito Swu, Bosco Swu, Itobo Zhimo, Botovi Achumi, Hokito Zhimo and Ahobo Kiho.
The Provisional Units under NWA include the Sumi, Rengma, Lotha, Chang, Pochury and Sangtam tribes. The championship will offer prize money of Rs 2 lakh for first place, Rs 1 lakh for second, Rs 80,000 for third, Rs 60,000 for fourth, Rs 10,000 each for quarter-finalists and Rs 5,000 each for all participants.
Following the programme, Kiho appealed to the Sumi community to support and promote wrestling, stating that the sport has the potential to grow into a professional discipline and encouraging young athletes to actively participate in its development across the region.
